Improved '99 Mustang is True to Its Roots
4 September 1998
Improved '99 Mustang is True to Its Roots: Great Performance, Great Looks, at a Great Price NASHVILLE, Tenn., Sept. 3 -- Ford unveiled its 1999
Mustang here today to members of the Mustang Club of America, and there's no
mistaking that the car traces its heritage back to the original of 35 years
ago. It's there in looks, concept and spirit.
The latest evolution of this popular American icon is improved with
design, powertrain and handling enhancements. These include significant power
increases for the Mustang's V-6 and V-8 engines, a new exterior design and,
for the first time on Mustang, an optional all-speed traction control system.
"We've made improvements that are much more than skin-deep," said Janine
Bay, Mustang chief program engineer. "The 1999 Mustang is true to its roots
-- customers get an exciting new design with enhanced performance."
Design: Unmistakably Mustang, Unquestionably New
Mustang -- the sales leader in its segment for the past 12 years --
continues with both coupe and convertible body styles in 1999.
Even sitting still, the 1999 Mustang looks fast and powerful.
"Our visual theme is based on the most stable geometric form -- the
pyramid," said Doug Gaffka, Mustang chief designer. "We've also enhanced or
revived some classic Mustang styling cues. Everything draws your eyes down to
the road and leaves an impression of solidity. Mustang is all about being on
the ground and driving."
The 1999 Mustang's shape draws equally from the knife-edge lines of the
original Mustang and the taut, New Edge design of the breakthrough GT90
concept supercar of a few years ago.
Slim, wraparound headlamps are new, and for the first time the rear deck
is made of sheet molded compound, which reduces weight and eliminates
corrosion.
Pronounced wheel arches are complemented by flat spokes on new 15-, 16-
and 17-inch road wheels.
Larger, 3-inch-diameter dual tailpipes on the GT provide improved exhaust
sound and advertise the significant engine upgrades.
Heritage cues include the classic long hood and short deck; a prominent
hood scoop; enlarged, sculptured side scoops, with a bold triangular shape;
and Mustang signature tribar taillamps. The galloping chrome pony centered on
the grille is once again circled by a chrome "corral," as it was on the
original Mustang. All '99 Mustangs have a 35th-anniversary version of the
tricolor-bar emblem on the sides of the front fenders. Other familiar details
include an optional rear spoiler, honeycomb grille textures and side character
lines that echo the original Mustang even more than on the previous model.
Powertrain: More Performance Across the Board
Engines for the 1999 Mustang are refined to optimize horsepower and
torque, which results in reductions in 0-60 mph and quarter-mile acceleration
times.
"We've given more muscle to the Mustang engines," said Bill Koche, Mustang
powertrain engineering manager. "Mustang enthusiasts will be thrilled when
they learn about our across-the-board enhancements."
Mustang's split-port-induction 3.8-liter V-6 engine gets a boost of 40
horsepower. It is now rated at 190 hp at 5,250 rpm, and torque is up by five
foot-pounds, to 220 at 2,750 rpm.
The power increase was accomplished with a new intake manifold, cylinder-
head flow improvements and new, high-tech piston coatings for reduced
friction. A first-order balance shaft has been added to further refine
powertrain NVH.
The Mustang GT's 4.6-liter SOHC V-8 boasts an increase of 35 horsepower --
now 260 at 5,250 rpm. Torque is up by 10 foot-pounds, to 300 at 4,000 rpm.
New higher-lift, longer-duration camshafts, bigger valves and revised intake
manifold runners increase intake airflow above 3,000 rpm. Improved airflow
and an improved combustion chamber shape creates more complete burning of the
air/fuel mixture, which helps optimize power, fuel economy and emissions
characteristics.
The GT's V-8 features coil-on-plug ignition, providing increased
reliability and higher energy spark for more efficient combustion properties.
The California version of the 3.8-liter V-6 meets low emission vehicle
(LEV) requirements, and the California 4.6-liter SOHC V-8 meets transitional
low emission vehicle (TLEV) requirements.
The 1999 Mustang V-6 and Mustang GT are equipped with a five-speed manual
transmission or an optional four-speed automatic with overdrive. Both have a
performance-oriented 3.27:1 rear axle ratio.
Chassis: More Stability and Driver Control
For the first time, Mustang offers an all-speed traction control system,
available on all models. When needed, it provides enhanced vehicle control,
particularly on wet or slippery roads.
Mustang's system uses anti-lock brake system sensors to detect excess
drive-wheel spin. It helps reduce wheel slippage by retarding ignition
timing, controlling fuel flow reduction and cylinder cutoff in conjunction
with brake application. The driver can control the system with a console-
mounted on/off switch.
Other 1999 Mustang chassis improvements include reductions in noise,
vibration and harshness (NVH), improved steering center feel (more linear with
reduced dead band) and turning circle reductions of 37 inches for the V-6
(from 40 feet, 1 inch to 37 feet) and 33 inches for the GT (from 40 feet, 8
inches to 37 feet, 11 inches) to improve maneuverability. A 1-inch increase
in rear jounce travel and a 1.4-inch increase in rear track further enhance
Mustang handling. On the convertible, retuned engine mounts and the addition
of underbody rail extenders increase chassis rigidity and reduce midcar shake.
And That's Not All ...
A revised premium speaker system upgrades Mustang's audio systems, and
buyers now are offered a combined AM/FM stereo cassette and CD player. The
MACH 460 audio system is still available, powered by two dedicated amplifiers
and featuring a powerful subwoofer assembly.
A 1-inch-longer track for the driver's seat provides accommodation for
taller drivers. The driver's seat also is now available with six-way (instead
of four-way) power for improved adjustability and comfort.
Updated colors and materials freshen Mustang's interior appearance. These
include two new colors (Midnight Black and Medium Parchment), thicker, more
durable material on the door trim panels, as well as new seat fabrics and sew
patterns. All '99 Mustang front seats have a pony emblem embossed on the seat
back to commemorate the 35th anniversary.
"It all adds up to the fact that the 1999 Mustang really has a lot to
offer," Bay said. "Its design is strong, contemporary and true to Mustang's
original concept. Performance improvements make the 1999 models very exciting
and satisfying to drive. Make no mistake about it, everything we've done --
and will continue to do -- makes Mustang better and better, building on its
heritage of free-spirited fun in a rear-wheel-drive, all-American sports car."
